The demands on, and expectations for, school and district leaders have risen considerably in recent years. Schools are being held accountable in new ways for improving student achievement. These changes have focused attention on the preparation of school administrators by postsecondary institutions. Many researchers and educators say that the skills not traditionally taught in these programs are now essential: data analysis and decisionmaking, curriculum and assessment analysis, instructional observation and feedback.

Some states are developing professional development systems for leaders to acquire skills through other means, including leadership academies, mentoring programs and workshops.

This Issue Page provides literature, research, state policy examples and links to other sources of information on issues associated with the preparation and professional development of school and district leaders.

Balanced LeadershipWhat 30 Years of Research Tells Us About the Effect of Leadership on Student Achievement
This report details the outcomes of a meta-analysis of research on the effect of principal leadership practices on student achievement.